On February 26th one of Europe’s top Jiu Jitsu organizations, GrappleFest, will make its return with their eleventh edition. Following on the heels of the IBJJF European Championships, GF11 is the second major Jiu Jitsu event of the year in Europe.
The competition has an exciting lineup, featuring the Pedigo Submission Fighting Squad versus a team of top Europe grapplers – lending the event the name: Daisy Fresh vs Europe.
Taking their broadcast for the first time in a new platforme (Fite.tv) the Liverpool-based organization has scheduled four title matches followed by some high level superfights.
Here are some of the most exciting matches in the main card and our predictions!
Dante Leon vs Mateusz Szczecinski – Under 80kg Title Match
For the main event of the evening, American Black Belt, IBJJF Black Belt No-Gi World Champion and current Grapple Fest under 80kg champion Dante Leon will face off against the young Polish talent and ADCC European trials bronze medalist Mateusz Szczecinski.
Having a very good run in the last ADCC Euro trials, leg lock master Szczecinski submitted UK Black Belt Ross Niculsan and lost a very close match because of a penalty against Oliver Taza.
But Leon is no stranger to the leg lock game, as he has faced some of the very best leg lock specialist in the division over the years, and holds wins against some of the biggest names in the sport in every rule set including Lucas Lepri, Davi Ramos, Isaque Bahiense, Renato Canuto, Tye Routolo, and many more.
Prediction: Dante Leon win by RNC
Kendall Reusing vs Ffion Davies – Open Weight Title Match
One of the most anticipated female matches ever will take place at GF11 with both Kendall Reusing and Ffion Davies competing for the GrappleFest woman Open Weight belt. With both ladies holding a IBJJF Black Belt No-Gi Worlds title, the match is expected to be intense.
Also holding the +55 kg title in Polaris Pro, Kendall recently won the ADCC East Coast American trials as well.
No stranger to the no-gi game, Ffion is one of the few Europeans ever to win an IBJJF Black Belt World title and in the last ADCC World Championship she became the ADCC’s first ever UK born medalist when she placed second, submitting Jiu Jitsu legend Bia Mesquita on her way to the silver medal.
Prediction: Kendall Reusing by decision
Mikey Musumeci vs Kev Corkhill – Under 60kg Title Match
The five time IBJJF Black Belt World Champion Mikey Musumeci is making his first trip to the UK and his competition debut on the European professional Jiu Jitsu scene. Musumeci will be competing against the local phenom Kev Corkhill for the under 60kg GrappleFest Title.
Prediction: Mikey Musemeci by leg lock
John Hansen vs Jamie Hughes – Open Weight Title Match
This battle of the giants will be GrappleFest’s first over 100 kg male title match, and pits John Hansen against Jamie Hughes.
Hansen is a ADCC vet and recently has been on a roll over in the States, medaling in IBJJF No-Gi Worlds and Pans at Black Belt, and winning the ADCC East Coast trials. His opponent has been one of the UKs most successful competitors in all the belts and has stood on the podium at both Gi and No-Gi IBJJF Euros in the adult Black Belt division.
Prediction: John Hansen by decision
Jacob Couch vs Santeri Lilius under 90kg match
The match between the young prospect from America, Jacob Couch, and European vet Santeri Lilius will define the next contender for Jon Blanck’s under 90 kg GrappleFest title.
Recently performing well in the States with wins in major organizations like WNO and Fight to Win Pro, the “Hillbilly Hammer” faces one of Europe’s most seasoned grapplers. Santeri is a Polaris Pro and GrappleFest veteran and also a ADCC Spain Champion and one of the few European to medal at the IBJJF Black Belt Euros as an Adult both in Gi and No-Gi.
Prediction: Jacob Couch by leglock
Where to Watch GrappleFest 11
For GrappleFest 11 the organization has partnered with Fite.TV. Unlike its competitor Flo, Fite.TV offers Pay Per View options alongside its subscription service! The fights start at 10am CST on Saturday, February 26th.
I am black belt under Bruno Bastos and I am very passionate about Jiu Jitsu. I do the sport for 13 years. Now I am an owner and head coach at one of the biggest Jiu Jitsu academies in Bulgaria and still an active competitor.